Thanks for your very detailed and informative video. I started recording acoustic guitar and bass guitar. My mics are a Rode NT1A, two Rode M5s (I use one for the shoulder technique for recording guitar) and an SM57 clone by Thomann, who sounds the same. Thanks :)
Super to the point to tutorial which actually opened my eyes and ears to accomplishing what I'm looking to do on my 6 string fretless acoustic bass Guitars live and recorded sound Deliverance thank you
Adding another tracking tip: try augmenting your microphone signal with a small amount of pickup/DI signal to help the ABG sound bigger and more robust on notes played with the lower five or so frets on the E string. Those tend to be a bit thinner than other note positions because the ABG doesn't generate as much air as an upright bass. The microphone cannot record what isn't there! For example, check out the linked song I produced, "Our Spanish Love Song." The ABG's recorded tone reflects about 75% of the signal from the large diaphragm mic and 25% from the pickup. Adding a touch of pickup/DI made all the difference for a more balanced bass tone. ua-cam.com/video/Xxb6RukpYL8/v-deo.html
Great video! So glad to see you have nylons on this great sounding bass. I see so many acoustic basses on UA-cam being played with the awful roundwounds and being played by guys that don't have the touch for AGB's. By the way it sounded good plugged in and mic'd. When I play AGB I use a Breedlove Studio with flats and a Markbass amp. See a lot of pro bluegrass players using the Markbass amps! What a shame Taylor stopped making this bass 😔
Currently recording a new song I wrote a year back or with my Acoustic Bass and the recording isn't up to scratch the guitar because it has no pickups has basically turned into a microphone and I can hear these annoying tapping sounds from the pick im using even if I touch it its showing up on the recording debating on getting an actual Bass guitar will this resolve some of the unwanted noises some advice would be great ? shame because im really proud of the song would hate it if it was let down by a poor recording.
If I understand your question, you are recording an acoustic bass guitar with a microphone and the pick is creating a sound you are unhappy with. An ABG sounds very different from an electric bass guitar, so before going that route you may want to try a few variations. In your DAW, try lowering EQ a bit in the 3-5kHz range, which can soften the tapping noise you described. You might try picking with less force to reduce the noise. You might also try using a different pick -- something heavier, or even a felt pick. Also, your microphone may be placed too close the the bass, which would accentuate the picking noise. Lots of things to try! Good luck with your project.
Thanks for your very detailed and informative video. I started recording acoustic guitar and bass guitar. My mics are a Rode NT1A, two Rode M5s (I use one for the shoulder technique for recording guitar) and an SM57 clone by Thomann, who sounds the same.
Thanks :)
I've got a Rode NT1 and it does a fine job on acoustic instruments. I'd definitely use that one instead of the SM57. Happy tracking!
Wow, Dave, that's quite a comprehensive look at not only recording an ABG, but playing live as well. Well done and very appreciated : )
Thank you! I've just ordered some Black Nylon Tapewound strings for my acoustic, your tone inspired me :)
Super to the point to tutorial which actually opened my eyes and ears to accomplishing what I'm looking to do on my 6 string fretless acoustic bass Guitars live and recorded sound Deliverance thank you
Thank you! This video was really clear and informative, and has helped me decide how to record acoustic bass for a project I'm working on :)
Very useful ! Thanks !
Thanks a lot bro. Only video on this subject I could find on UA-cam!
Thanks. You were super informative.
Adding another tracking tip: try augmenting your microphone signal with a small amount of pickup/DI signal to help the ABG sound bigger and more robust on notes played with the lower five or so frets on the E string. Those tend to be a bit thinner than other note positions because the ABG doesn't generate as much air as an upright bass. The microphone cannot record what isn't there! For example, check out the linked song I produced, "Our Spanish Love Song." The ABG's recorded tone reflects about 75% of the signal from the large diaphragm mic and 25% from the pickup. Adding a touch of pickup/DI made all the difference for a more balanced bass tone. ua-cam.com/video/Xxb6RukpYL8/v-deo.html
Great video! So glad to see you have nylons on this great sounding bass. I see so many acoustic basses on UA-cam being played with the awful roundwounds and being played by guys that don't have the touch for AGB's. By the way it sounded good plugged in and mic'd. When I play AGB I use a Breedlove Studio with flats and a Markbass amp. See a lot of pro bluegrass players using the Markbass amps! What a shame Taylor stopped making this bass 😔
Nice video - thanks!
Thank you very much! Quite helpful!
Great tutorial... My main problem is that "fret noise" is too loud!
You’d never hear it in a mix, adds growl. Great job 👏
Currently recording a new song I wrote a year back or with my Acoustic Bass and the recording isn't up to scratch the guitar because it has no pickups has basically turned into a microphone and I can hear these annoying tapping sounds from the pick im using even if I touch it its showing up on the recording debating on getting an actual Bass guitar will this resolve some of the unwanted noises some advice would be great ? shame because im really proud of the song would hate it if it was let down by a poor recording.
If I understand your question, you are recording an acoustic bass guitar with a microphone and the pick is creating a sound you are unhappy with. An ABG sounds very different from an electric bass guitar, so before going that route you may want to try a few variations. In your DAW, try lowering EQ a bit in the 3-5kHz range, which can soften the tapping noise you described. You might try picking with less force to reduce the noise. You might also try using a different pick -- something heavier, or even a felt pick. Also, your microphone may be placed too close the the bass, which would accentuate the picking noise. Lots of things to try! Good luck with your project.
Hey man, what kind of bass is that?
Taylor AB-1 acoustic bass guitar.
Thanks for the very thorough walk through of recording options for ABG.
We were recording at the 12 fret, mistake on my part as it was lacking bass end